Facts:

The case involves Alatco Transportation, Inc. as the petitioner against the Workmen's Compensation Commission and Carmen Legaspi Vda. De Catimbang, along with other respondents. The key events unfolded on January 22, 1954, when Pastor Catimbang, who was working as an inspector-checker for Alatco, was struck by an Alatco bus while performing his duties in Pili, Camarines Sur. This incident resulted in a fracture of his right leg, incapacitating him to work until June 1954, when he resumed his employment as an office checker, remaining in this position until his separation from the company on June 1, 1962.

On February 15, 1966, Catimbang filed a claim for worker's compensation with the Workmen's Compensation Commission, citing the injury incurred in 1954 as the basis of his claim. Alatco responded on April 11, 1966, with an "Employer's Report of Accident or Sickness," asserting that Catimbang's cause of action had already prescribed, given that more t

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Facts:

Background of the Case

• Petitioner: Alatco Transportation, Inc.
• Respondents: Workmen's Compensation Commission and Carmen Legaspi Vda. de Catimbang, et al.
• Pastor Catimbang, an inspector-checker for Alatco, was injured on January 22, 1954, while performing his duties. He was struck by another Alatco bus, resulting in a fractured right leg. He was incapacitated until June 1954, after which he resumed work as an office checker until his separation from service on June 1, 1962.

Filing of the Claim

• On February 15, 1966, Catimbang filed a claim for compensation with the Workmen's Compensation Commission, citing the 1954 injury.
• Alatco filed an "Employer's Report of Accident or Sickness" on April 11, 1966, contesting the claim on the grounds of prescription, as the incident occurred more than 10 years prior.

Amended Claim and Proceedings

• On May 21, 1966, Catimbang filed an amended claim, alleging that his separation from service was due to the weakening of his health caused by the 1954 injury.
• Alatco failed to file a notice of controversion for the amended claim, leading to the claim being declared uncontroverted on August 5, 1966.
• Alatco filed a motion for reconsideration on February 13, 1967, seeking to reinstate its right to controvert the claim. This was granted on March 9, 1967, but later revoked on July 12, 1967.

Death of Catimbang and Substitution

• Pastor Catimbang died on March 16, 1967. His widow and children substituted him as claimants.
• On July 17, 1967, the Acting Referee issued an award in favor of the claimants, ordering Alatco to pay compensation, medical expenses, and attorney's fees.

Appeal to the Workmen's Compensation Commission

• Alatco appealed the award, but the Commission affirmed it on February 11, 1969, with minor modifications.

Issue:

1. Whether the Workmen's Compensation Commission erred in awarding compensation due to Alatco's failure to seasonably controvert the amended claim.
2. Whether the claim should be dismissed on the ground of prescription.
3. Whether the award of P772.00 for medical expenses was supported by competent evidence.
4. Whether the award of attorney's fees was proper.

Ruling:

• (Subscriber-Only)

Ratio:

• (Subscriber-Only)